Do you want to know a quick way to save a ton of money and lose weight to boot? Dine out less often. It really can be that simple if you make the right choices.

The lack of control you have over ingredient quality and proportions can make restaurant eating a big challenge for those who have to watch what they eat.

The benefits of eating at home or bringing a lunch to work are equally significant when it comes to saving money. A $10 lunch every workday adds up to $50 a week.  Just imagine how many healthy lunches you could make at home for that amount. And that is just for one person. If you're a family that eats out every day the savings would be even more dramatic.

One excuse people make for poor eating habits is they don't have time to shop. If you are serious about eating better and saving money, then this is something you have to make time for in your schedule.

Consider these useful suggestions:

  • Cut down on your shopping trips by planning a weekly menu and making a grocery list around it. This will save you time by not having to make extra grocery trips midweek if you run short of supplies or miss getting an ingredient.
  • Don't be afraid to shop at smaller grocery chains. They may not be as cheap as   the warehouse-sized emporiums with miles and miles of aisles but time is money. Even if it costs a bit more, it's still cheaper than eating in restaurants.
  • Save money by buying healthy foods in bulk. Plan a big shopping trip for non-perishables and frozen foods once a month.
  • Clip coupons but only for items you were already planning to buy.
  • Check the flyers as well to see what's on sale and to compare prices from store to store.
  • Avoid shopping when you are hungry as you'll more likely end up spending more money on junk food.
  • Splurge now and then by rewarding yourself with a special meal at home. Bring out the candles and a bottle of wine and do your fine dining in the comforts of your own home. A ten dollar steak eaten at home could easily cost double or triple that in a restaurant.

For today's busy family these may be hard habits to get into but once you start noticing the savings it will be easier to make the effort. And with a bit of imagination and creativity, you will forget you are doing this to save money.

[Photographs copyright by Linda Dunbar. Reproduction prohibited]